Welcome to the second of our app showcase lists, in which I’m highlighting some of the finest apps currently available for each of the various mobile platforms. After yesterday’s Android focus, tonight I’m looking at Blackberry Apps, which by and large tend to generate slightly fewer headlines than those of their iPhone and Android counterparts (perhaps understandably so – Google and Apple are pretty much the biggest tech players in town).
Nonetheless, there is of course plenty of cracking apps out there on the Blackberry platform and, with it still being summer in the UK (technically at least, if not actually weather-wise), what better theme than a focus on handy holiday travel apps? Without further ado, here’s my top 7 Blackberry travel apps to improve anyone’s holiday fun:
1. Navita – A great all-round translation app, currently working in over 50 languages. Operates with spoken input and output for quick operation on the move – and best of all, it’s free.
2. XE Currency – Simple app for currency conversion from XE.com (the number 1 Google result for currency conversion for the past 5 years or so). Makes it much easier to understand what you’re spending if working in an unfamiliar currency.
3. TiVO DVR scheduler – Easy way to manage your television recordings from anywhere in the world; never miss another episode of your favourite show/important sporting event or whatever else whilst on holiday.
4. Trapster – A must for anyone planning a driving holiday! Alerts you to speed cameras and temporary traps, which can be pretty tricky when driving on unfamiliar roads.
5. VLC Remote control – OK, so this is useful wherever you are – but it’s especially useful if you’re taking a laptop on holiday and intend to use it as your media station for music, films etc (currently half-price so be quick). Works by using a Wi-fi connection though so won’t be usable halfway up a mountain…
6. HazelMail Postcards – A nice app which turns your Blackberry photos into real postcards, which then get sent to you all printed out and ready for sending to your friends and family etc.
7. Photo Editor Resize – Does exactly what you’d expect. Very useful for transferring hi-res holiday photos (which first often need downsizing to fit into attachment allowances etc) via email.
Voila! That’s all for now, of course there are plenty more than the few I’ve chosen to highlight – these are simply some of my personal favourites and most-used choices. For the full range, check the Blackberry store. Otherwise, fret not if your platform hasn’t yet been covered – iPhone apps are next.
